Mixed feelings about police presence

The general populace doesn’t seem to think of police officers in amicable terms.

“Police make me feel uncomfortable because I feel like they are always watching and they make you feel like you are doing something wrong, even though you might not be,” said student Annette Carlos.

The police force is intended to protect and serve the community. They investigate and arrest criminals, doling out karmatic retribution to that speeder who almost took your car out to justice.

They can make you feel safer walking to your car at night—or perhaps not.

Despite all this, not everyone thinks of the police force this way, at least with the Ferguson protests and social media hash tag campaigns, such as #ICan’tBreathe and #BlackLivesMatter.

“Whenever I see a police officer, I do tend to tense up and feel kind of anxious,” said student Brandon Adkins.

Most of the younger generation have joined forces to support one another during these consistent riots.

This feeling of unease causes obvious problems for both the police force and the public, particularly because some individuals feel it’s time to “get back” at the police.

There seems to be a lack of respect for authority among the community—with that sentiment in place, the police force cannot perform their duties to the best of their ability.

“I believe the public has perceived me in a variety of ways, based upon my assignments, areas I worked, calls I was dispatched to, scenes/incidents I responded to, and the hours I worked,” stated an officer who asked to remain anonymous in an e-mail.

“The media’s presentation of law enforcement officers has affected me in a negative way,” added the officer. “The media, whether print, radio, or television, depend on ratings to remain profitable and relevant, so I take everything that is presented with a grain of salt.”

As a free society, it is easy for us to question, berate and criticize those who keep us safe.

We tend to forget that they are regular people too, who are just trying to make the world a safer place for everyone, as well as for their own families.

The officer’s wife also stated via e-mail that officers’ spouses have to deal with the trials that officers face.

“These officers have seconds to decide what to do and then are questioned over and over again about that decision. I tell my husband to do whatever he has to do to come home,” added the officer’s wife. “I know that may sound insensitive, but remember he is not only an officer but also a husband, a father, a son, and a brother.”

The goal of police officers is to serve and protect and create a stronger community, but some feel that there are political issues that complicate the way the job is done.